2 MAY 4-17 2:)12 EXTRAORDINARY A PAS

/ : . ' The scoop on Hines Ward's Mighty Mouse tattoo and info on other 'Winners. Page 4 and on. //-1 __ -/

EXTRAORDINARY INSPIRING When we first came up

with the idea to do an Ex­

traordinary APAs issue we

never imagined that it would

become our most popular is­

sue last year. Piggybacking

on that dubious beginning we

bring you our 2nd Annual Ex­

traordinary APAs issue.

pacted the Asian Pacific

American community and

whose stories were reported

in the Pacific Citizen.

(Right) David

Mas Masumoto

talks about the

power of the

peach. The

men behind

the Jubilee In January, the Pacific Citi­

zen editorial board met for

their annual meeting where

this year's Extraordinary APA

winners were selected. We

Project (below) say doing good

is contagious.

This year we honor 17

extraordinary individuals including a

two-time Superbowl winner, a California

supreme court judge, and our Congres­

sional Gold Medal winners. We also se­

lected a deserving honoree from each of

the JACL districts.

had a larger pool of nomi­

nees this year and we thank the board for

considering each of our nominees.

We hope you enjoy this special issue.

Share your comments with us in print or

at www.pacificcitizen.org.

This special recognition honors com­

munity leaders who have positively im-

~A-ri-5:I-Executive Editor

SPRING CAMPAIGN

SUPPORT FOR THE P.C. IS NEEDED BEYOND THE SPRING CAMPAIGN

By Gil Asakawa

The Pacific Citizen needs your help more

than ever this year.

You've shown your support year after

year during the Pacific Citizen's Spring

Campaign. In the beginning, when I was the

chair of the P.C's editorial board, the Spring

Campaign aimed for $10,000, which went

toward upgrading computer equipment and

cameras.

Last year, you stepped up and donated

an amazing $85,000 during the Spring

Campaign. That money paid for Nalea J. Ko, the excellent reporter, and a

advertising salesperson, as well as equipment, website improvements and

digital archiving.

We need your help once again, and this year, in addition to donations to

the Spring Campaign, we need your vocal support.

A national JACL budget has been proposed - and passed recently

by JACL's national ooard - that cuts the critical position of assistant

editor from the P.c. budget starting in 2014. It' s a budget cut that would

be a terrible blow to the P.c. 's operations, and I urge you to share your

concerns with your chapters, districts and ooard representatives.

I believe this is a decision made of haste with good intentions, to

2112er.m SPRING CAMPAIGN IkJI"'" $150 or Ilor~ to bllCOIl~a

WALL OF FAME R; $200 or Ilore get

a free ellry ilto ~ drawing for ~

Muic311 criMI

o $50 0 $1 00 0 oilier

»See ASAKAWA pg. 17

Help keep the PACIFIC CITIZEN alive by donating t odayl

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A Mexican cruise prize danated by the

'."; NATIONALJACL CREDIT UNION

DONATE ONLINE > WWW .PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

RETURNING TO SEAnLE By Priscilla Ouch ida

My first image of Seattle was on a

postcard of the Space Needle that I received from my father - I made a beeline to

the icon when I attended my first Seattle

Convention. After a few days, I discovered that Seattle is a "many-splendored" place,

and I can't wait to return to Seattle for the

2012 National Convention. The convention

will run from July 5-8 at the Hyatt Regency

in Bellevue, Washington, just across Lake

Washington from Seattle.

I invite delegates to bring the family along. At the risk of sounding

like a tourist agent, there is something for everyone at and around the

convention - from the flying fish at Pike Place :Market to Mount Rainier.

Our hosts are planning a tour of Seattle's Nihonmachi that includes a

trip to Uwajimaya, the largest Asian grocer in the Pacific Northwest,

owned by the Moriguchi family that is featured in a Bank of America

commercial.

Other ixx:Jster activities include a ferry ride across the Puget Sound

to visit the new National Parks Service memorial on Bainbridge Island,

and a golf tournament sponsored by the National JACL Credit Union

to be held on July 8. The Sayonara Banquet will feature music by the

:Minidoka Swing Band, the Japanese American version of the Glenn

:Miller Orchestra.

Sponsorships from State Farm Insurance, AT&T, Union Bank, Eli

Lilly and Southwest, the official airline for the convention, promise a wonderful meeting. An exciting component of this year's convention

is a Well ness Fair sponsored by the Seattle JACL and Nikkei Concerns

that will be held on July 7. Kelli Kuehne, LPGA player and national

spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, will be a

»See OUCHIDA and registration form pg. 6

JULY 5-8

o -wu14

HYATT REGENCY BELLEVUE, WA

RESERVATIONS: 1 (BBB) 421-1442 WWW.JACL.ORGJ2012

PACIFIC.CITIZEN

PACIFIC ~ CITIZEN

HOW TO REACH US E-mail: pc@pacificcitizen.org Online: www.pacificcitizen.org Tel: (213) 620-1767 Fax: (213) 620-1768 Mail: 250E. First Street, Suite 301 Los Angeles, CA 90012

STAFF Executive Editor Caroline Y Aoyagi-Stom

Assistant Editor Lynda Un

Reporter NaleaJ. Ko

Business Manager Staci Hisayasu

Circulation Eva Lau-Ting

The Pacific Citizen newspaper (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published semi-monthly (except once in De­cember and January) by the Japa­nese American Citizens League, Pacific Citizen, 250 E. 1 st Street, Suite 301, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Periodical postage paid at LA., CA POSTMASTER: send address changes to National JACL, 1765 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115

JACLPresident: David Kawamoto National Director: Floyd Mori

P.C. EDITORIAL BOARD Judith Aono, chairperson; Paul Niwa, EDC; Kevin Miyazaki, MDC; Roberta Barton, CCDC; Mark Kobayashi, NCWNPDC; Hugh Bur­leson, PNWDC; Gil Asakawa, IDC; Cino Harbottle, PSWDC; Sonya Kuki, Youth

SUBSCRIBE Get a one-year subscription of the Pacific Citizen newspaper at: wlNIN.pacificcitizen.org or cali (800) 966-6157

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LEGAL No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express per­mission of the Padfic Citizen. Editorials, news and the opinions ex­pressed by columnists other than the national JACL president or national di­redor do not necessarYy refled JACL policy. Events and products advertised in the Padfic Citizen do not carry the implicit endorsement of the JACL or this publication. We reserve the right to edit articles. © 2012

Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, Calif and mailing office.

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PACIFIC ~ CITIZEN

c .... -...

Ito helped animate the iconic spaghetti scene in

"Lady and the hemp"

Ju;t the m ention of the spaghetti

sc ene from L&T ewkes "oohs-am ."

Consideri rg it WeE my V2ry first

assiQlment, I am pl easantry SU"­

prised o f its pop u ority. O f course, I

was o ne of h.xidreds of a ri ma to rs

w orkirg on the movie .

If he weren't a cartoonist/artist...

Using my love of art, I may rave p LfSued m edical

illustroti rg . Having to study a nd learn d l the m edical

te rms w o u d rot raV2 been my cup of tea.

What a cartoon about his I fe would look like:

3 iii

L--_

EXTRAORDINARY APAS MAY 4-172012 3

Bow Willie Ito Found the Bappiest Place on Earth Willie Ito and ShigYabu have

collaborated to release the

books "Hello Maggie" and "A

Boy of Heart Mountain,"

By Nalea J. Ko, Reporter

Fr Walt Disney it all started with a monse, Mick­

ey Monse that is. But for Japanese American

animator Willie Ito Jr. it all started with Dopey,

the cillmsiestof Snow White's seven dwarfs.

As a 5-year-old chik! the native San Franciscan's

love of cartooning blossomed after watching Disney's

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," which origi­

nally premiered in 1937, at the local theater with his

father.

"FQr some reason Snow White was so mesmerizing

and then the seven dwarfs - and of course Dopey,"

said Ito in his home office, which is brimming with

cartoon memorabilia. "He was my fa-

vorite cartoon. "

when they were growing up in San Francisco. But the

friends soon went their separate ways. They would

reconnect again throughout the years at Barons club

reunions. Yabu joined the United States Navy in 1951

and Ito went to Hollywood to pursue a career in ani­

mation.

Ito 's parents were supportive of his desire to pursue

a career in animation, but his father, Willie Sr., wasn't

convinced a cartoonist could make a decent living.

"He was a barber in San Francisco, and so he always

felt that maybe I should go to barber college, get a

license and then have something to fall back on," Ito

said of his father who was a musician before WWII.

When Ito first stepped foot in Disney Studios at

the age of 19, he was attending the Chouinards Art

Institute. Disney didn't hire Ito on the spot. Instead Ito

received two weeks later a Western Union telegram

recruiting him as an animator. That began his 45-year

animation career.

"The first day that I went to Disney Studios with

my portfolio, not seriously looking for employment,

The 77-year-okl now has a stock­

pile of Disney and other cartoon col­

lectibles in his Monterey Park, Calif.

home. His wife jokes that she has

learned to love their Disney collec­

tion.

MELIlO ... CCIE!

I just wanted to see the inside of the stu­

dio and I figured since I had my student's

portfolio with me it was a good ticket to

make an appointment, go in, see the stu­

dio, " said Ito who met on that first day

his Disney mentor Iwao Takamoto, who

was also a Japanese American animator.

~.

Ito's first task at Disney was to work

on the animated film 'Lady and the

Tramp."

"I wasn't particularly into cartoons.

"I was oblivious to it until one day, I

realized it was all over the house, "

said Rosemary, about her husband's

collection. BUY THE BOOKS! However, Willie was working on 'Lady

and the Tramp ' and eventually when the

film was released, I saw it and really

loved it, " said Ito's wife of the animated

Tucked in a display case in his living

room among shelves and shelves of Dis­

ney figurines is a collectible that has a

special place in Ito's heart.

See page 20

for coupon!

"I remember the day we had to go to

camp because this sat on my dresser, "

said Ito taking a 73-year-old Dopey bank from its

display case. "And then three years later when we re­

turned, I ran upstairs to myoid bedroom and it was

still sitting there. I remember I had a few pennies in

there and that was no longer in there."

The Dopey bank was a childhood toy of Ito's, but it

was left behind when his family was forcibly removed

from their home in San Francisco and unjustly incar­

cerated at Topaz in Utah during World War II. Some

120,000 people of Japanese descent were incarcerated

during WWII after the bombing of Pear! Harbor.

Ito occupied some of his time in camp drawing on

Sears, Roebuck & Co. and :Montgomery Ward & Co.

catalogues and animating them by flipping the pages.

After the war Ito's family returned to their former

Bay Area home, which a Chinese American family

was watching.

In 1948 at a youth club at the YMCA. Ito met Shig

Yabu, who had moved to the Bay Area with his family

after they were incarcerated at Heart :Mountain. The

two friends also participated in the Boy Scout Troop

12, where they printed a newsletter using a gelatin kit.

"We printed our newsletter in Willie Ito's parents'

garage, and we were impressed with Willie Ito's car­

toons," said Yabu. 'We even got businesses to place

advertisements, but we couk! not make many prints

because the gelatin would turn into Jell-O. "

Years later the two friends created the publishing

company, Yabitoon Books, and released the books

'Bello :Maggie" and "A Boy of Heart Mountain, "

which drew on their experiences of being incarcerated

during WWII.

Yabu said he recalls Ito being "quite an animator"

film.

After a year and a half at Disney, Ito

moved on to warner Bros where he worked for six

years. He later worked with Bob Clampett for a year,

Hanna Barbera for 14 years and afterwards at Sanrio,

before he returned to Disney where he retired in 1999.

Before retiring, Ito got a chance to show his father

firsthand his success.

"Just before he passed away he came down here and

visited me at Sanrio, " Ito said of his father. "Sanrio

was fun for him because of all the Japanese artists that

were there also."

After 45 years of working in animation, Ito says he

can see his artist touch in countless animated Disney,

Warner Bros and Hanna Barbera cartoons.

"Oh, gosh, " Ito said flipping through a Hanna Bar­

bera comic book. '1 guess throughout the years you

could just kind of go through these and say, 'Oh, yeah.

I was responsible for that one. '"

Retiring from a successful career in animation has

left Ito with a few perks.

"We have what we call a silver pass. That will admit

four on your silver pass," Ito said of his special Dis­

ney pass. "ButI still have my regular ID pass that will

admit me anytime I want to go there. " With four adult

children, six grandchildren and two great grandchil­

dren, that Disney pass comes in handy.

Now retired, Ito continues to work on illustrating

books for Yabitoon Books. After 45 years of being an

animator, Ito says he still enjoys sitting at his drawing

table and working.

And with a house full of cartoon memorabilia, Ito

now has his hands full with cleaning tasks.

' 'I'm due for the six-months dusting, " said Ito with

a smile looking at the display cases filled with Disney

memorabilia .•

EXTRAORDINARY APAS PACIFIC CITIZEN

Two-TilDe Supe .. Bowl ChalDp Hines Wa .. d is an Ext .. ao .. dina .. y Ove .. achieve .. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

a.. en

A tattoo of a Mighty

Mouse in a Heisman pose

is inked on Ward's right

arm, a tribute to his love of

football and symbolic of

his overachieving

attributes.

By N alea J. Ko, Reporter

Hines Ward, 36, retired from the NFL after 14

years, but he is not slowing down or disap­

pearing from the public arena any time soon.

The long-time Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver

announced his retirement 11"arch 20. The Steelers

released Ward, who was set to earn $4 million next

season, in a salary-cap maneuver three weeks before

he retired. He leaves the NFLafterchiming nearly ev­

ery franchise recoid: an all-time leader in receptions,

yards and touchdowns, a four-time Pro Bowler and a

11VP of the 2006 Super Bowl, among other accom­

plishments.

As if he didn't have enough awards and accolades,

Wam also took the mirrorball trophy in season 12 of

ABC's "Dancing With the StalS."

But fans will perhaps remember Ward best for his

wide, infectious smile that shined from behind his

Steelers helmet.

Ward also devotes his time to giving back to those

in need. His Helping Hands Foundation in the United

States is dedicated to promoting literacy among chil-

dren. With a $1 million donation

Wam, who was born

to an African

American

father

aod

Korean

moth-

cre-

ated his

Helping Hands

FOundation in South

Korea. The South Korean-based

organization works to fight biracial

discrimination in the country.

The Hapa Super Bowl winner is also a

member of President Barack Obama's Advisory

Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Ishnd­

em, where he has helped to fight childhood obesity.

There is nothing ordinary about Ward's accomplish­

ments and that's why the Facific Citizen has named

him this year's Extraordinary APA in the Sports cat-

egory. The P.c. caught up with Ward to see how he is

enjoying his retirement

You've been quoted as saying you have some more

football in you. "Why retire from football now in­

stead of playing for another team?

I thought a lot about it and had interest from other

teams, but after reading all my fan emails, tweets etc.,

I was touched by all the love and support from Steeler

fans everywhere. When you spend all your career with

one team - and a team as world class as the Steel­

ers- phying for any other team just didn't seem right.

I am a Steeler 4 life and want to keep it that way. And

I didn't want to let my fans down.

You've spoken publicly aoout being teased for be­

ing biracial growing up. If you could talk to your

bullies now, what would you say?

Probably, "Look at me now." I would also try to show

them that I have no ham feelin gs. Their teasin g and

ridicule was very hurtful. But I always kept my head

up and I turned a negative into a big positive.

How do you celebrate your Korean heritage?

I am always proud of my Korean side. I try to get back

to Korea as often as I can and take my mom with me.

I am very grateful for how the entire country of Korea

embraced and supported me.

"What has your role been as a member of the

President's Advisory Conunission on Asian

Americans and Pacific Islanders?

It has been a big honor. My role, along with my

other commissioner colleagues is to be the federal

government's eyes and ears to the Asian Ameri­

can and Facific Ishnder communities.

"Why do you think there aren't more promi­

nent Asian American athletes? "What do you

think of Jeremy Lin's recent rise in the

NBA?

I don 't really know. I think most Asian kids

have been taught to study hard and that edu-

cation is most important, and it is. But I am

seeing more and more Asian kids these

days getting more involved in athletics.

It's a good thing to see. I love Jeremy Lin.

I think he is great and I hope he contin­

ues to do well.

"Where do you keep your ''Danc­

ing with the Stars" mirror ball

trophy?

I keep it in my trophy case at my

house, right in between my two

Lombardi's.

You can play football. You can

dance. "What's a third talent that

makes you a triple threat?

Haha. I don't know. I guess that third talent remains

to be seen.

"Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Not sure yet. I'm just getting adjusted to retirement

for now .•

PACIFIC ~ CITIZEN EXTRAORDINARY APAS MAY 4-17,2012 5

Jubilee Project founders (I-r) Jason Y. Lee, Eric Lu and Eddie Lee juggle proclJcing short film projects and working at their full-time jobs.

The founders of the Jubilee Project just wrapped up

a college tour where they premiered their medium­

length film "Dear Daniel."

By N alea J. Ko, Reporter

The foundem of the Jubilee Project

are setting out to encourage othelS

to do good one video at a time, and

with nearly four million video views on their

YouTube channel, they're getting close to

accomplishing their mission.

The three friends - Jason Y. Lee, Eddie

Lee and Eric Lu - created the Jubilee Proj­

ect in 2010 with a simple objective: to make

doing good contagious.

How do you find the time to continue to

work on the Jubilee Project?

Eric Lu: If it's worth it, you'll make time

for it. I think it's a matter

of prioritizing and making

sure that I'm still able to do

the thin gs that I love.

Eddie Lee: Because Jason

and I have full time jobs

and Eric is in medical

school, it's difficult to put

in the necessary hours

to make Jubilee Project

what we want it to be. In

order to do what we have

done, we have had to

Eric: It's an unbelievable honor, but I don't touched by our work, and that's really why

think it would've happened without the sup- we do what we do.

port and generosity of the greater APA com-

munity. They've really helped us so much "What is the Jubilee Project working on?

to get to where we are today.

Eddie: It's truly an honor and we are so

humbled by this award. It empowers us to

keep doing what we do.

Eddie: We are working on a couple of short

films right now. One that I am especially

excited about is "Dear Daniel, " which is a

story of a college student who finds himself

at a crossroad in his life. Our hope is that

the film will encourage young people to

chase their dreams and fight for some­

thing they believe in. Another film that

we hope to release soon is "Back To Inno­

cence, "a short film about sex traffick in g.

We love the power of films and social me­

dia to make a difference in the world.

"What makes you laugh? The Jubilee Project creatolS have been

making monthly videos to encourage oth­

ers to do good too. The videos also help

raise funds for various nonprofits. Through

making videos about nonprofits like Project

Red Balloon or American &:lciety For Deaf

Children, among others, the Jubilee Project

founders have raised over $30,000.

make sacrifices. Whether

it's not getting enough sleep

or spending less time on our

social lives, it has been a trade

Jubilee ~roject founders (pictured above with the First Lady and president) attended the 2011 White House hOliday party.

Jason: I think kids make me laugh, es­

pecially little kids. I think they're super

funny and really, really innocent and re­

ally, really happy and that makes me really

happy.

Their latest project "Dear Daniel" is a me­

dium-length coming-of-age film, which they

premiered on their recent college tour. The

Jubilee friends took off about a week from

their full-time jobs - Lu is a medical stu­

dent, Eddie Lee works on the White House

Initiative on Asian American and Pacific

Ishnders and Jason Lee works in business

- to create the film that is aimed at Iaising

awareness about depression. The film is set,

Jason Lee says, to be released in the next

couple of months.

The Pacific Citizen caught up with the

three friends who won the Extraordinary

APAs Award in the New 1-1edia category to

talk abut their latest project and future ambi­

tions.

off. But we do it because we are passionate

about it. And it's something we all love do-

III g.

Jason Lee: We would love to be shooting

every weekend. But I would say every week

we spend probably anywhere from five to

10 hours or so working on the Jubilee Proj­

ect. But often it comes in waves. &:l we'll

spend an entire weekend working on the Ju­

bilee Project when we're all together in the

same city. One ofthe major challenges for

us is that we're not based in the same cities

right now. &:l when we are together we have

to really take advantage of that time.

"What does the Extraordinary APA

Award mean to you?

J ason:We're incredibly humbled by it. fur

us we feel like it's a tremendous honor and

a privilege to be a part of such an extIaordi­

nary group of individuals.

"What inspires you to make videos?

Eric: The stories we hear and the desire

to share them and make an impact in this

world. They're real, touching and inspiring.

Eddie: We are inspired by the people we

get to meet along the way. To see that tangi­

ble impact we are making in people's lives

is truly a blessing. It gives us an incredible

phtform to share what we believe in, and

we don't take that lightly.

Jason: I think for us we're really inspired

when we hear stories of individuals who are

Do you have any strange habits or hob­

bies?

Eric: I've worn a white T-shirt and blue

shorts whenever I'm at home for the past

seven years.

If you could go back in time and change

one thing, what would it be?

Jason: I think for me in my personal life

the very first girl that I really, really liked,

I never had the courage to ask her out. I

would go back and I would ask her out.

I think that's what I would do. Life's too

short not to take chances and to take action.

That's something I learned and that's some­

thing we encourage a lot of young people to

do - not necessarily to ask people out -

but to follow your dreams .•

6 MAY 4-17, 2012 CONVENTION 2012

FROM HEALTH TO POWER OF WORDS, WORKSHOPS OFFER DIVERSE TOPICS

By National ]ACL Convention

Planning Committee

For those planning to attend the July

5-8 National JACL Convention in Bel­

levue, Wash. there will be an opportu­

nity to take part in a diverse and infor­

mati ve array of workshops on July 7 at

the Convention Center. Some are vital

to your good health and others will

inspire you to continue your life-long

dedication to social justice.

Some of the scheduled workshops

include:

• "Buying Your Dream Car and How to

Maximize Your Dollars" - Leslie Moe­

Kaiser of State Farm.

• ''Thinking Outside the Box About

the Structure of JACL Membership" -

speaker not confirmed.

• "Inside and Outside the Barbed Wire:

Untold Stories from Santa Fe 's Depart­

ment of Justice Camp" - Nikki Nojima

Louis, Frank Kitamoto, Herb Tsuchiya

and Gail Okawa.

• "Environmental Justice" - Millie Pi­

azza' Wash. State Dept of Ecology;

Alice Park, King County Food & Fit­

ness Initiative and Commllllity Coali­

tion for Environmental Justice.O

• "The Power of Words - Say What

You Mean, Mean What You Say -

Why It Matters When We Talk About

the Camps" - Lane Ryo Hirabayashi,

UCLA Dept of Asian American Stud­

ies; Barbara Takei, CFO of the Tule

Lake Committee and author of ''Tule

Lake Re-visited: A Brief History and

Guide to the Tule Lake Concentra­

tion Camp Site" and Kaila Yoshitomi,

sophomore at the University of Wash­

ington and secretary of the National

Youth! Student Council.

• ''The Power of Words: Now is the

Time l Spreading the Word - How

Change Starts with YOU"

(Workshop attendees are encouraged

to attend both POW sessi ons)

• ''The Future of Tule Lake: A New

Unit of the National Park System" -

Anna Hosticka Tamura, landscape ar­

chitect of the National Park Service.

• "Unseen Justice " - Russ Aoki, attor­

ney; l'vIichael Kawamura, director of

Pierce County Assigned Counsel and

Brian Tsuchida, federal magistrate and

former public defender.

• "Preserving Commrnrity Treasures"

- Ken Mochiznki, author of "Baseball

Saved Me " and "Meet Me at Higo" and

»See WORKSHOPS pg. 17

REGISTRATION FORM Online: To register online visit httQ;/i',yww.jacl.orgi 2012

OUCHIDA »continued from pg. 2

featured speaker. Health screenings

for blood glucose, blood pressure,

BMI and vision will be available.

The Wellness Fair will also include

health and fituess sessions led by

Nikkei Horizons instructors. And

for the young and young at heart,

Nintendo is providing Wii stations.

The convention will be my first

as the incoming nati anal director,

and I urge every chapter to send

delegates and boosters to Seattle.

Floyd Mori has done an excep­

tional job of creating visibility for

JACL, and has given JACL a na­

tional voice in developing public

policy. As I step into the position,

I would like to work with you and

the new national board to develop

the next stage for the organization.

There is much to be done, and

your contributions are essential to

JACL. It is a time of transition. It

is a time of vision. Come and be a

part of the 2012 National Conven­

tion.

The deadline for early bird regis­

tration is June 1. Sign up at: ht1p:/ /

j acl. org/20 12 .•

Priscilla Ouchida was recently

hired as the new JACL na1ional di­

rector. She begins full-time duties

on June 1.

By Mail: A separate form must be completed for each individual registration. Addit ional reg istration forms are avai lable online, or by email at info@jaclseattle.org, or by calling (206) 623-5088. Convention Package $250 ($300 after June 1") Youth/ Student Package (for ages 25 and under) $200 ($250 after June 1")

Both packages include the Welcome Mixer, Awards Luncheon, Youth Luncheon, Workshops, Continental Breakfast, Sayonara Banquet & Dance. These events can also be purchased individually (see below).

PACIFIC ~ CITIZEN

IMPORTANT CONVENTION DEADLINES COMING UP

By Gail Sueki

A major deadline date is coming up on May 7.

Constitution and Bylaws: Constitution amendments are

due May 7. Only Bylaw amendinents without notice can

be made at the convention following the outlined require­

ments. There have been items submitted that will be put up

for a vote.

Resolutions: Due May 7 but emergency resolutions can

be made following the outlined requirements.

Credentials: Dues/outstanding balances, rosters, 990s

and proxies if applicable are due May 7. If not resolved, the

chapter will not be eligible to vote.

Awards and Recognition: JACLer of the Biennium and

the Inagaki Chapter Award nomination forms are due May

7.

Program For Action/Strategic Planning Committee:

The Committee will present the 2013-2014 plan for nation­

al council approval. A workshop, "JACL Priorities", will be

led by Chair Gary Mayeda. This is an opportuni1y to voice

your opinion on the direction and priorities of the JACL.

Nominations: Interested persons for ANY office may

nm for office at the convention following outlined require­

ments. Potential candidates may file until July 5.

Convention committees will be meeting in the afternoon

on July 5 prior to the delegate orientation.

Detailed information and forms can be found on the

JACL.org website. Click on the convention link and go to

"About" then "Convention Business" .•

Gail Sueki is the national v.p. of general operations.

SEATTLE,WA s:! NAT IO NAL~

CO NVENTIO N Wo.-IM, Tr-Nlsf""IM, ~IM ,

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Vegetarian Meals: Ve, __ No __

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most interested in: (incl Conference) .2SO . 300

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o Breaking the Silence Awards luncheon ,7S $90 (youth/Student) '60- $75· D Youth Council

Youth Mixer 57S $90 D JACL Membership (Youth/Student) $60- $75-

D Preserving Community Treasures (youth Member) $55· · $60" o Legal System & Civil Rights

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check _w.Jacl.org/ 2012.

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cancellation Policy

cancellations must be received by June 1, 2012 for a 1~ refund. Cancellations received between June 2. 2012 and July 2. 2012 will receive a SO% ""fund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after July 2. 2012

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PACIFIC ~ CITIZEN EXTRAORDINARY APAS MAY 4~17, 2012 7

Michael Lin Makes an IlDpact The chair of the 1882 Project helped garner an expression of regret from the Senate for the Chinese Exclusion Laws.

For more than 30 years biomedi­

cal scientist Michael Lin was a

program director for the Nation­

al Institutes of Health where he

worked on cutting edge research in

the cardiovascular field. His work

has even contributed to aNabel

Prize.

But his name also rings a fa­

miliar bell when it comes to civil

rights and the Asian American

community. He is a fonner presi­

dent and national executive direc­

tor of the Organization of Chinese

Americans or OCA, an organiza­

tion he has been a member of for

over 20 years.

It was his experiences at OCA

that led him to his current involve­

ment with the 1882 Project where

he chairs the effort to educate

lawmakers and the public on the

Chinese Exclusion Laws and the

impact such legislation had on the

history of Chinese Americans. Late

last year the Senate passed a reso­

lution expressing regret for the

anti-Asian laws.

"Michael has been an inspiration

in the APA community who dem­

onstrates the dedication and vision

to support the Asian community

goals and needs," said Ken Lee

OCA national president. "Many

JudgingLiu Good things come to those who wait

Last May, Liu told President Barack Obama that he

was withdrawing his nomination for the U. S. Court of

Appeals for the Ninth Circuit after a protracted con­

firmation process. Two months later, Calif. Gov. Jerry

Brown nominated him for a seat on the California Su­

preme Court.

"The thought that this skirmy kid with a fUIlllY name

could one day become a judge is a healthy sign of the

times," Liu said at a joint dirmer of the Pan A sian and

Filipino American lav..yers in San Diego earlier this

year.

Liu's presence alongside Chief Justice Tani Cantil­

Sakauye and Associate Justices Ming W. Chin and

Joyce L. KeIlllard gives the California Supreme Court

its first Asian Pacific American majority.

Some of Liu's biggest fans are from high places, in­

cluding Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the law school

at the University of California, Irvine, who has been

quoted as saying he can easily envision Liu occupying

a seat on the nation's highest court Liu also serves on

the ooards of the National Women's Law Center, and

the Alliance for Excellent Education.

The Yale Law School graduate and a former asso­

ciate dean at the University of California, Berkeley

School of Law says progress still needs to be made for

APAs in the field of law.

"I am delighted to receive this honor, " Liu told the

Pacific Citizen about his Extraordinary APA title, "and

look forward to increasing numbers of Asian Ameri­

cans joining the bench and bar. " •

colleagues including myself have

benefited from his mentoring and

wisdom "

Michael C. Lin, Ph.D., 73

First generation

Taiwanese American

Potomac, Maryland

Retired Biomedical

Scientist

from National

Institutes ot Health

How did you celebrate when the

Senate passed a resolution apolo­

gizing for the Chinese Exclusion

Act?

When the resolution was passed

on Oct 6, 2011, it was more a re­

lief than excitement to many of us.

After a few days, we finally real­

ized the enormity of its historic

significance. Yes, we organized a

celebratory reception at the U. S.

Capitol Building in November at­

tended by our stakeholders across

the country with Sen. Scott Brown

and Congresswoman Judy Chu at­

tending, both of whom introduced

the resolution in the Senate and

House respectively.

What sparked the fire in you

to become a champion of this

cause?

I have always believed in social

justice and protection of our fun­

damental rights as Americans. In

order to contribute to these causes,

I have been a member of OCA

(Organization of Chinese Ameri­

cans) more than 20 years. My long

lasting relationship with my col­

leagues provides unique oPJXlrtu­

nities to continue serving the com­

munity outside of my professional

biomedical career.

Nearly two years ago one such op­

JXlrtunity emerged when several

major Asian American organiza­

tions realized that we need to put

a closure to the Chinese Exclusion

Laws, first enactedin 1882. Shortly

after, the 1882 Project was fonned

and is currently spearheaded by

a Steering Committee consisting

of c.A.c.A. (represented by Ted

Gong), Committee of 100 (Frank

Wu) , JACL (Floyd Mori), NCCA

(Haipei Shue) and OCA (myself).

The goals of the project are two­

fold: 1) to seek congressional reso­

lutions acknowledging the injus­

tice of the Chinese Exclusion Laws

and reaffirming the commitment

to protecting the civil rights of all

persons and 2) to sustain an effort

to educate the public and the future

generation aoout the history and

consequences of the Chinese Ex­

clusion Laws.

Why is there a need for a state­

ment of regret from Congress for

an injustice over a century old?

Although Chinese Exclusion Laws

were repealed in 1943 during

WWII for military and political

reasons, Congress has never ex­

pressed regret and acknowledged

the injustice of these laws. The last

generation of Chinese immigrants

»588 MICHAEL LIN pg. 16

OCA National Center Congratulates

Michael Lin for being honored with

Pacific Citizen's Extraordinary APAs.

ADVOCATE THANK YOU for your outstanding

leadership over the years with OCA

and most recently with the achieve­

ments of the 1882 Project.

8

,.

MAY 4-17,2012

.. ' .. ....

. ', .

. ' .,. ..

EXTRAORDINARY APAS PACIFIC ~ CITIZEN

Congl'essional Gold Medals Latest

Honol' fol' WWlI Nisei Vets ...................... .

After an official ceremony last November, these

Japanese American World War II heroes continue to be

honored in regional celebrations across the country .

YIIDIII (IIIr) ... .,cs

_-.Ct.L . .......... o.c.

':'The receipt of the CongressIOnal Gold Medal by the 442nd

Regimental Combat Team, etc , belated thougll It was, IS recogllltlOu

of Japanese Amencans as Amencans by Congress and that they

should be treated as Amencans without any mental reservations"

JAVA Honors

Congressional Gold Medal Recipients

and

»5ee MIUTARY PII. 16

~ MIS VETERANS CLUB HAWAII

All Asian Pacific Americans

Who Are and Have Served

(elebrates the extraordinary

bravery of WWII Nisei veterons.

EXTRAORDINARY APAS ~A Y ~ - 1 7 , :Jl t2 9

Fujiya .. na D.-eaans Big The 28-year-old co-founded and now heads the non-profit

Students Helping Honduras, which builds schools for

underprivileged Honduran kids and their families.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

-:z • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

S hinFljlyama is a big beI", ,,,rin tU PJ""r of youlli, That's becaus e be 's wit-

,..,ss e,ill firs1harrl, " , F'-l lyarrB IS tU execuuve direc\c.- of Sl:J.ants I+lp1ll8 HJrrluras ( ~ , a

m n-profit be co- f ~ with his , is ter COSIDJ in 2007, From an idea that sprouted

af," r a b,-;,f trip to H:n:iuras in 2[05, FIj iyarra look what be developed in lis oonn

rcom at tU Uni",rsity ofMa!)' Washill8trn am transf ~ it into a m n-profit that

bas raise d over $1 million

In 20 12 FIj iyma's m n-pro ft is \l,m l:ill8 b build its tenth sclDJl for ~ l]lrivi­

leged stcants in HJmuras. His m n-pro ft bas alreooy built a villa!)' for 300 p'qlle

'!Way, ~ bas a dedicated staff, \\lx) ofmes ani four vehicles , Arrl eoch year a

tOOlli arrl sl:J.ant vdun\eers lravel b HJrrlu-as to crntin'-'" l-t lpill8 F Ij iyarra arrl his m n-profit bring b life his cmarn ci buildins !.COJ scmals by 2020

F lj iyarra cmarm bis ani bas ~ llIXh ci it a ~ ality. For all hi, \mrk willi lis

m n-profit "" oorrr FIj iyarra willi tlis year's '£ xtrarnlirmy. JFA" awani in u., cat­

egol)' of m n- profit

You were also named a CNN hero and

recognized by Larry~. How do you think you've earned U- honors and

distinctions?

Pw]ie so,,-.,ti,,-.,s think that we 've seen

suo cess overnight but it's octually been

tU occumuiation ci ha!rl -wJk ani 10118

00= fc.- many years that have allowed

us to JrCrlme 1ft result iliat are beill8 recognized, I also have i,-.,reditie staff

We proudly salufe Nisei SOldiers lmd their famrrtes,

Your valor during WWII hel ped w i n the W:. r in Europe and the PacIfic and IIff the Internment's stigma

of shame. Yours is an exlr30rdinary legacy for all Americans, Congratulations on

rccciving the Congressional Gold Medal.

§=i N~ l IO".u J ""Al<Uf""'UICUI ........ Q ........

~ --- WWW.N.lA ... .".CO ...

How nmch cloo:er are )'>U to buiI~

1,000 schools in Honduras by 2020?

"" a ~ \mlkill8 onour 10th scIDJI, so "" ra", just99 p"=nt "n to 9J, We = d to

oocelerate our p<£e ani get IDJ~ vohm­ft rs to 00"-" oown to HJrrluras II

Why is it .0 irrvortant for yon to help

the children of Horrluras? &cause in tOOay's age , you can oovanoe

in yrur own life ani caI,,"r ~ folb w

your passion It wasn't lilz that a few

crcn s ago but willi \echmlogy am tU Inte,,-.,t. anythins is j>JSsitk For exam­

]ie , even if I am plijs r aIIy in HJmuras

l-tlpill8 tU kids, I can oontim., to learn

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu onliu even if

1ftre is m gym l-t~ , edu-

cate m)'3 elf thro~h on-

oow to c ~ a ," a IDJve""ri, oow to nul a

chim n's 00"-" , oow to nul a sc!>:o!. ani so much IDJre

Wlnt are your typical 21).""""'thing

traits?

I love to exercis e, like runniJl8. playill8

soccer, ani procticill8 MillY Thai arrl Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I ,-.,eel to exercise at

least five ti""s a week to stay sa,-., in a

seernill8ly irn""" e nviro ~ n t

When was the I3'it timeyoucried?

Wl-tn "" op",-.,d u., children's 00"" last

mverrber so that "" oould finally JrO­vicr a 00"-" fc.- 13 kids , woo Ii,.,,;! on 1ft

streets c.- ""~ abardJ,-.,d by u.,ir par­ents, It look ,,-., seven years of plannill8

to make tU prcj eet j>JSsible

li,.., OOUlSe S or reOOill8

rn my Arrazrn Kin­

d e, Best of all tU

eXp"rierce ci nul­

rill8 a mqlro ft c.-­gari7ation i, teoch­

ing ,,-., IDJre than

any $200 ,COJ M3A

cr wee ever oou d

'A day isn't

complete if

you haven 't

laughed out

When was the kist time you

laughed?

I laU8h out Imrl eve l)' day A day isn't oomplete if you

haven't la~ l-t d out 10m

Life is 100 soort to take it

100 seriously

loud.'

My j ob bas taU8ht ,,-.,

rrarketing skills, oow to

mild ""bsites, rasic oom\rlx-

tion skill" row to make vidoxJs , row to

sp"ak in front of tOOlli arrls of people,

row to lll3Ila8" a '" am row to wri," p"r­

suasively, row b organize large event,

sp"ak ftrnt Sp3.rish 00w to!ll.3lla8" m,'

p'rsonal ti"-., , basic accom till8 skills,

Wlnt advice would you give others who wants to

nnkea difference?

Read 'lk Alcl-tmis\" by Paulo

Coeloo , 'lk Education of Milhon­

ai ~ s" by Michael Ellsberg, 'Jk 4-HJur

WOlkweek" by 11m Felliss, ani 'lk Art

of m n-C rnfonnity" by Chris GUlle­

beau, Thn!)' t up to 00 so,,-.,thill8 you' ~

passionate about arrl fi8= out a way to

make a livill8 ooing it. •

of all the extraordinary talent

that came out of Topaz, the Topaz Museum celebrates Willie Ito.

10 MAY 4·'720' 2 EXTRAORD IN ARY APAS PACIFIC. CITIZEN

Congralu alions 10 CAROLE FUJITA, JEFFREY CHIN, ,"d

CHRIS TASHIMA for your extraordinory WOR. wilh 1htlil Tokyo Reporter film!

We always knew you were extraordinary!

From the

C"np'alu]ates

Willie Ito 0,11 being named PJicific Citizen 's

,Axtraordinary A hD Pacific American

for the Arts

www.ChuckJone sC enter.org

< , l ;

j I • i

! •

j

(L·r) Ol rl s T!EIl lma. FUmllo Ca-o e FuJ,a 3ld Je , te ~ Gee Ol in am,o compelS fle ,im ,n ls surrrn er.

'Lil Tokvo Repo .. te .. ' C .. eW' The fi lm's c reoN inc ludes: d irector Jeffrey Gee Chin. actor Chris Tashima and executi ve producer Fumiko Carole Fujita.

To tell ~ extrooldinary stolyof Sei Fujii's

11fe - a gambler an:! a hemlc ne\lt3paper· man wm wanted b expose the lruth aoout

his neighoolOOod - director Jeffrey Gee Chin an:!lis fihn crew transfonred Little 1b~ into a 1930s ba:h­elor's sooiety filled with scardalous c~ters .

"It is a true history." said Chin. 25 . aoout his fortlr:loming narrative sm rt fihn. "arrl h<rl it oot been for Fu·

arrl aCdressed However thro~h lack of comnuni· cation, fee lings ....,re hurt arrl it took m:mths for the entire situaoon \0 calm fu irrlivrlual's conctms did

cawe our team b talz tim: to n:·evaluate am assess our film's effect on the commurtty, Ho....,ver, ...., ....,re able to samer sn:a ~ r sUPl"rt therefore Irrli!eCtly in a cn:ative sense , ~ are thankful We ackoowle~ arrl appreciate the ccru\ructive criticism provird by ""nile rs rf the community arrl ercourage tIr:lse with­

in the community to continue SUPl"rting the culhlre , heritase arrl ~uth in arts ,

Sa FUJii was anAmerlcan potrht. Fujita: He was a self-",""ri fuing hero, a fore~r of civil right <rl-

ju ', detennination to p~t ~

livelilDod of his people. will· ing to risk his own life . Il"I-'" h \Wuld have been lost. ..

fu goal is \0 cOJl1l1ete ..,s t .~ ti o n on the

smrt film staning Acumy AwaJd.winner Chiis Tashima is Fuj ii by the SU!ll!l"Ief Fun·

To donate to the production of the film visit, http://

Itreporter.com

vacates arrl accolding to Keizo NOrillDto, fonner presIdent

of the H""ulni M "i"i~"i , a sarmrai , I"tenm lly the liSt of the breed of outs]>Jken am prcactive role lll:>±ls for the

Japanese An-..rican commu· nity Although as an Issei, Sei

diais ing for the fihn i, ongcing.

arrl so are the trials an:! tribulations cwtomary of an in:ler:ro:nt fihn pm-du:tioo.

But the filmmakers persevered. While researc hing Fujii's life . Fumiko Carole Fuji·

ta. a Sansei S:JUth Bay J ACL n-..mber. often \W,.ared what the n-ailblazing Issei""", like

"My though\! inclu:led wishing b have been able to meet him to rave a conversaoon ... she said "So bring· ing Sei Fujii to life in the lim through Chiis Tashin:e. 's I"rtrayal of him was an a~,on-.. experienct ...

Can you talk about the behInd·th ... """"". drama \nvolvlni a diJirWltllild pcoduction nwmbo!r?

Chin: fure was an early 1~l" rter rf our jrOOu:. oon wm was oot entin:ly enallDred with the stol)' arrl wanted 1$ \0 minimize the truth; of the ganilling arrl

mmance \hat exis ,"d cirring ~ 19X1:; This irrlividual

fe lt it \WuI:! oot I"rtray the comnunity in a ..,sitive light. fuse opinio~ ....,re personally ackoowledged

Fujii Wis 1r.e ligible fer citizen· 'hip ' he \Wlked \0 chall8' the law

arrl became a U.S. citizen, 51 days befon: he dild in 1954,

Wha.t Sa FuJU would .ay sholl the film? Thshima: FilS!. I thill<: he \W ul dc ~ kIe , being fiat·

," red that ...., .n: making a mlvie aoouthim I think he

""'" a ~ st man, like the Issei ....,re, putting others before him;elf, But. becawe of that. I fee l he \Wuld see the value of his own stol)', am what he di:I for our conunuuty, I think he \Wad say. '"Thank You," for keepins his legacy ali"", arrl fer letting others koow, bday. all that ~ accomplished on behalf of his fellow Issei

Fl.nIshthls~twoe , "If 1 had$ I mlIiIcm,I would ..... Thshlma: Consider many of the stories of Ir;lw

Asian A""ricans ha"", pl.!ticipated in the building of ourcountry arrl w e the mJ'-"y \0 share ourexperienct through tim or perhaps theatre Am maybe I" d buy a Harley .

EXTRAORDINARY APAS

AsD1.. Mike Eng Brings

COD1.D1.unity to Politics The longtime mayor of Monterey Park, Calif. hasn't

forgotten his roots as a Calif. State Assembly member.

Many in ~ Asian Pa·

cll" . A""ncan com

munty ~ co!r""" ~

~ Mit.EllB for his b ll8 c=r

in]>Jliti::s

Ell8 , 65, is a Califomia &ate As",mblyman am ~ cortin...,s to

· •• mk en t.half of i:"...,s that di­

rectly affect APAs

EochY"arEllB , woo is Chi,-.,,,,

A,,-.,rican, intrcdus a bill declar­

ill8 Feb. 19 as a Day of Re,,-.,m­

brarce o:=RJ, co=IDJra!ins

tU annive1'331)' ofE=utive Onrr

<;U)6 that ",nt tern of tmu; an± ci

Japa,-.,'" A,,-.,ream b WWlI in­

c=ratien camps

Rep. Ell8 has also been at tU

fo ~ f rrn t of a co~IDJrative

s\arql for tU Ni",i WWl I veter­

am 1+ is tU autmr of Assemtty

Joint Resolutien 33 that trged tU

Citi""rn S\arql Advisory Ccmmit­

tee of tU US Postal Service to

iss..., a stamp moorins tU ~ roic

sol:liers of tU 44200, lOOth am

M~

F e.- Rep. Ell8's j>JSitive con-

tributiorn to tU Asian A,,-.,rean

conrnunity, ~ Pactfic CHullhas

"'lected tU assemblyman as this Y"ar's '£xtrr.Jrdillny APA" award

wirur in tU categet)' of ]>Jlitics

Is it time for DOR to beoome a

state andl<r mtialal holiday?

Defuitely Y"s Our ccmmunities

have alreooy co=IDJrated Ex­

ecutive Orrrr S056 for tU past

70 Y"= am have sOOwn that it

is sisni fuant to every conrnunity

that has expenwoediq w tU We

sm uld fonmIi"" what we = aI­~ady ooillB to make sure that ev­

el)"O'-" -.muld have an octivity to

at," m onFeb. 19

Will you advocate for a WWII

Nisei veteraro;'stamp?

Defuitely, )'" I intrcrloced AR

33, wh>ch recogri""s ~ contribu­

oons ci Jap",",se A,,-.,rean WWl I

veterans by ercoUYa8ill8 tU US

Fbstal Service's Citi""rn Stamp

AdvisCty Corrmit,"e to awmve a

co~IDJrative stamp m mrill8

How do you nnrk Dec. 17, the Day of

Inclusion?

Siree my j, ~slation

was ellaCted in 2009

to recogri"" Califor­

nia', Day of Irelu­

sion I have a\\erad

co=lilratirns in

Lrn Angele" Soc-ramenb , am Oak-

lam. I pe1'3onaIIy runk ~ day

wnaIly by callill8 0'-" of my fam­ily ,,-.,mt.1'3 amwually ~ Day

of! relw iJn will co,,-., up

The San Gabriel Valley has a

veryhighAPApqmlation Is this

unique to the arro. or a sign. of a

nationwide trend?

Th 2010 Cernw irilicam that tU

Asian Poci fu I slarar ]>Jpulation

is ~ fastest growill8 roce group in

tU Uni," d &ates. Af ," r~w York

City, Lrn Angej, s has tU lar8"st

Asian or corrilinatien Asian pqlu-

Jennifer Unh W (remer) """ked"; l'1 l'1 e can rm nity, airn:l ,.;th JACl, fclf o";ro:l l'1 e BP ei l sp l

Jennifer Linh Va Helps Those in Need

NU8hter of refugees

from Vietnam, Jelllllfer

inh Vu !:as ~ It a

personal mission b ~lp tmse in

=' Beill8 a comrmnity len,r en tU

GulfCoas\ Yuhas \mlkeddi=tly with V ",~ s e A,,-.,reans in tU

aftennath of Humc",", Katrina

ani tU 20 10 H' oil '1i ll. S ~ also

\mlked as an aic), b COll8 ~ ssman

Anh "Jrneph"Coo

fullowin8 tU Gulf Coast oil spill Vu ",rved at ti"-.,, as an in­

terp-eter ~ lpill8 tU Vietra""se

A,,-.,rican commmity, w~n ~ ir

fru;traoons peaked, mvigate tU

often complicated ~co"' ry sys­

em 'It's really rare for Vietra""se

olc),r ,,-.,n to octuaIly sm w any

kioo of eliltion because of tUir

pric), am tU cultu-e - I've seen

tUm on ~ verge ci ,"ars, asking

mw ~y'~ going to pay for tUir

muse, m w tU y' ~ goill8 to pay

for ~ir to3.\ tUir kids ' eduoa­

tion," Vu said in a 2010 ~wYOlk

l1,,-.,s St:l.ant JownaIismI nstitute

article Giving bcook b tmse in ,-.,ed

is l"1'3onal fe.- Vu, wOOse family

struggled b strvive in tU war-tom

V",tnam

I+r fatUr, Khanh, was in tU

SoutUm Vietnam air fOltt am e, ­

caped w~n his base was bombed

I+ r lmtUr, Ngoc, j,n Vietram in

a boat with Vu's brotUr. But tU

V",t Cong capiJJred tU IDJ~ram

000

Vu's personal i~as of ",rvill8

~r comrmnity were in syreh with

JAQ's mission

Tcday Sft is tU jftsic),nt of tU

Gulf Coast Asian Poci fu I slarar

JAG.- chapter, wlich was rati trd

in 20 11 at tU Los Angeles JACL

NatirnaI Convention. Th !>:mr ~ r

\mJk tU Pactfic Cilium selected Vu as tU Extrr.Jnlina!)' Asian Pa­

cifu A""rican in JAO-'s lo.CC

District "As an AsianA,,-.,rean ....:man,

I was raised to serve my family,

comrmnity ani chu-ch," Vu said

in a 2011 article in tU Pactfic Citi­

zen. "JACL has tU s""" type of

ic),als. I t's about8"ttill8 ",!'Vices to tU !red)'.".

MAY~1720t2 11

lation with 484,cm Th &m 0.­

mel Valley will contin..., b attroct

Asian Pocifu Islarars am o~r

!rOup:; beca= of edocation, bwi­

""SS, quality of life, am cultural

ql]>Jrtuni\ie'

comrmnity, we are always rnk­

ill8 to 00 a t.tterj ab ani we koow

that"" can ~ lp eoch o ~ r out am

it OOesn't rratter w~re tU oom

co,,-.,s fmm, we koow tl:at we can

always 00 ~tter

When was the last time your

wife, Rep Jtdy Chu, ~w you

lIrulOlicited advice? Did}'>u take

it?

If you could Inve one superhero

power wlnt wouki it be? Why? A~w Coo's slp'r-hwnanabil­

ity to calculate every j>JSsibj, op­

oon ani make a split =00 (cor­

~ cU deci, n n, wh>c h is scmethill8

I !red eoch ani every minute .•

We = cornlantly givill8 eoch

~ r oov>ce te.cawe after lYJ3Ily

crcn,s of t.ing invol,.,d in tU

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12 MAY 4-17, 2012

w.· .. 10 pnHIcI 01 you.

Love.

Mom. Dad. Kent

andlachan

CongratulaHons Emllyl

Great job on your scouting project for Komure School.

French Ca mp JACL

EXTRAORDINARY APAS

Why he's extraordinary:

David Masumoto is a Sansei

farmer who has been

specializing in environmentally

responsible farming years

before the word "organiC"

became a household name.

Age: 58

Peach as a power fruit:

I dont think I've ever hated

eating a peach. I thrive on

new \/\BYS to use peaches

as fusion food: peach fHled

rrnnju, shaved Ice with a peach

topping, vin de peche (a peach

extract liquor). Yum. [I'Ve] yet to

have peach sake.

Scout's Bonor Why she's extraordinary:

Emily lsakari created a project

about George Y. Komure, the

late Nisei vet, to help educate

students about his legacy.

Age:15

Generation: Yonsei

Favorite school subjects:

World civilizations, orchestra

symphony and Japanese.

Special talents: Plays the

French horn in her school's

symphony orchestra and is a

member of the school varsity

badminton team.

On his SO-acre farm in

Del Rey, Calif. peaches,

nectarines and grapes

thrive, but despite his green thumb,

one crop hasn't flourished in the

soil.

'Money, it eludes me, " the

Sansei Fresno JACI..er joked.

In a business of mass production,

:Masumoto Rum is a rare gem

- family owned and run from

generation to generation, so a

bite of a :Masumoto peach is like

accepting a gift from a friend.

For years, :Masumoto has been

ploneenng the art of organic

farming.

Now it's a $26 billion dollar

indushy.

Take a break? This Davis

High School student

doesn 't know how. The

Davis, Calif. resident is working

on a project to educate the local

community about the contributions

of local Nisei veterans.

She gets brownie points: the new

project will help fulfill her Girl

Scouts' gold award requirement

"I am writing the project

proposal for my troop leadelS now

and hope to get council approval

by year-end," said the French

Camp JACI..er.

Her previous project about

George Y. Komure not only helped

her snag the Scouts' silver award

and the hearts and minds of many,

but also an Extraordinary APA title.

PACIFIC.CITIZEN

"And it has created a new

consumer: the foodie who wants

fantastic quality and connection

with the farmer and the fann," he

said.

1-hsumoto is also a master of

words. He's an author that can

make the simple act of biting into

a piece of fruit sound like an act of

Sill.

"He has transformed his farming

into art and a search forsignificance

deeper and broader than his own

individual life, " said his daughter

Nikiko. 'My dad is extraordinary

because his work reflects struggle,

memory, and flavors that bind us

»See MASUMOTO pg. 15

"She is focused," said Dean

Komure, French Camp JACL

president "She sets her goals and

follows through to achieve them. "

On why it's important to

remember George Komure.

Nisei like George Komure

endured much hardship during

their lifetimes - the Depression,

the camps and serving in the Army

during WWII. Despite all this, the

Nisei returned home, and without

any bitterness, made significant

contributions to their communities

in areas like education and public

service. fur these reasons, I think

their story and legacy need to be

preserved.

»SeeISAKARlpg.15

PACIFIC ~ CITIZEN EXTRAORDINARY APAS MAY 4-17, 2012 13

Lillian Kianu .. a Continues to Inspi .. e Youth

The first female

national JACL

president draws on

her experiences

in JACL and her

lengthy career

at the YWCA to

mentor youth to

become our future

leaders.

In April, former National JACL

President Lillian Kimura turned

83 years old, but not surprisingly,

she hasn't slowed down. For the

past 50 years she's been involved

with JACL in various leadership

positions which culminated in 1992

when she became the first-ever

female national JACL president.

"I still think JACL is the ouly

game in town," said Kimura in a

recent Pacific Citizen interview.

It was during her presidency

that JACL affirmed its support for

same-sex marriage. It's something

that she is still most proud of today.

Kimura, of the New York JACL

chapter, has taken her years of

experience leading a civil rights

organization and her lengthy

career with the YWCA to continue

mentoring youth and encouraging

them to take on leadership

positions.

"I don't think people realize

the shoulders that they stand on,"

she said. "Kids take it for granted.

They need to give back to the

community. If they don't, who

will?"

Kimura is the P.C.'s choice

for "Extraordinary APA" for the

Eastern District.

Why do you think there have only

been two female JACL national

presidents in the organization's

history so far?

With the many responsibilities

young women have for work and

home, they may not have the time

to give to leadership positions.

Both Helen (Kawagoe) and I were

older. It may not be as important

since we have a woman national

director now.

JACL leadership positions (until

now) have traditionally been

very male dominated. Did you

face any push back during your

tenure as national president

being the first female in this role?

When I took over the presidency,

all the other officers were young

people, mostly under 30. The older

men no longer were in leadership

He .. Passion is Education

As a professor

and teacher

training workshop

facilitator, Sharon

Ishii-Jordan uses

her expertise to

teach the lessons

oftheWWII

internment.

When it comes to passions,

education is at the top of the list for

Sharon Ishii-Jordan, 57. And the

one topic she is most passionate

about is the World War II

internment of Japanese Americans.

As a former professor in the

education department at Creighton

Uni versity and the current associate

dean in the school's College of Arts

and Sciences, she has often taught

her students about this important

part of American history.

But it has been through her

volunteer work at the JACL -

she's a former Midwest governor

and a longtime member of

the National JACL Education

Committee - that she has been

able to spread the lessons learned

from the WWII experiences of

Americans of Japanese ancestry.

Last fall she was part of a group

that headed to Skokie, Illinois

to ensure that teachers from this

area would make the history of

the WWII camps a part of their

classroom curriculum.

"Educators touch the lives of so

many students from kindergarten

to adult education; 'students'

who will become the decision­

makers," said Ishii-Jordan, who

still continues to volunteer her

»See ISHII-JORDAN pg. 14

positions. Young men were not

threatened by women leadership.

My problem was an aggressive

female past leader who came

to national board meetings and

challenged my leadership.

How would JACL benefit

from having another female

president?

JACL will benefit from any

leader - Young, male or female

- committed to the goals of the

organization.

Do you consider yourself a

feminist? Why or why not?

I consider myself a feminist

- one who wants to make a

contribution to the development

of the community from a female

perspective.

During your presidency, JACL

becam e one of the first civil

rights organizations to affirm its

support of same-sex marriage.

Today, the battle rages on. How

far has the Asian American

community come in seeing same­

sex marriage as a civil rights

issue since 1994?

JACLhas not pushed aggresively

to promote same-sex marriage

although support has been

indicated. I was disappointed that

the single LGBT chapter formed

after our decision did not continue.

What has been your biggest

personal achievement thus far?

Having opportunities to provide

leadership and becoming national

president. And being a mentor to

some young people to become

leaders in JACL. Also I learned

a lot from my position on the

national staff of the YWCA of the

USA, especially working with civil

rights pioneer Dorothy Height and

receiving the YWCA Qvil Rights

Award.

Complete this sentence, "People

would be surprised to know that 1 ______ "

.... am 83-years-old .•

Lillian is a dedicated

community leader.

JAPANESE AMERICAN

SERVICE COMMITTEE ----ESTABLISHED 1946----

IF(Q) Liiii~~ C. Ki OUR Extraordinary ~~~

~M5

14 MAY 4-172012

a.. ....... . A

t 10 1 years of age Nisei

Fumiko Hayashida is the

oklest living survivor of

the World War II incarceration

camps from Bainbridge Island,

Wash. She celebIated her recent

birthday milestone with a trip to

the Tulalip Casino.

Although she says she's slowed

down a bit in recent years, her long

support of the Bainbridge Island

Memorial has helped garner much

needed funds for the important

monument that broke ground on

phase two in 2009.

But perhaps Hayashida is best

known for the iconic WWII image

of her holding her infant daughter

Natalie as they prepared to head

to 1funzanar from their home in

Bainbridge Island along with over

200 Japanese Americans.

Hayashida joined the JACL in

1942 and continues to be a member

ofthe &attle chapter.

How did you celebrate your

EXTRAORDINARY APAS PACIFIC ~ CITIZEN

Ilt 101, Hayashida's Life Ch .. onicles the Histo .. y of Ills f .. on1. Bainb .. idge Island

The oldest living former JA internee from Bainbridge Island has spent

years helping to raise funds for a permanent memorial.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 100th birthday?

The family held a big party for

me. Over 100 family and friends

came to celebrate. We had a nice

dinner and I was able to take

photos with everyone who came. I

was very surprised and happy to be

surrounded by so many people. fur

my 101st birthday we had a smaller

(40 family members) party. Can ' t

wait for next year!

"What feelings and thoughts come

to mind when you see the flllllous

evacuation photo of yourself

holding your sleeping daughter?

I didn't know the photo was

taken. It could have been anyone. I

remember being scared of not

knowing where we were going.

As one of the oldest members

of the first group of JAs to be

forcibly removed, what do you

remember aoout the day you

had to leave everything behind

on Bainbridge Island?

I was sad to leave friends and

my home. Bainbridge Island IS

where I was born and grew up and

having to leave with only what you

could carry was daunting. I was

only comforted that I had family

members with us.

That photo has been republished

in many history oooks. "What do

you hope the younger generations

take away from that photo?

I'm not sure what they

will take away. I have great

grandchildren and I hope that

the photo piques their interest. I

hope that once the children learn

more about what happened, they

undelStand the whole scope of the

Japanese internment.

In 2009, you ooarded a

construction backhoe to break

ground on phase two of the

Bainbridge Island Japanese

American Memorial. "Why do

you think it's important to build

memorials aoout the World

War II Japanese American

experience?

It's important because we should

ISHII-JORDAN ».o.li.ued from PII. 13

time at teacher train in g workshops.

"The decisions and prejudices

that led to the unjust discrimina­

tory incarceration of individuals

of Japanese descent and those who

supported this population, as well

as the initiative, perseverance, and

courage to use our country's dem­

ocratic principles and processes to

bring forth public awareness and

reparations is such an incredible

story.

"The more we all undelStand

about this era in our U.S. history,

the better able we are to critically

examine issues of injustice, en­

gage in colhborative exchange of

perspectives, and find resolutions

towam just actions."

Ishii-Jordan is the Pacific Citi­

zens selection for "Extraordinary

APA " from the :Midwest District.

If you could go back in time and

redo one part of history what

would it be? "Why?

I'm not sure that I would re-do

any part of history. The triumphs

and the tragedies over time have

not forget the past, so we can learn

from it.

"What goals and dreams have you

yet to accomplish?

I have accomplished everything

III my life. I have traveled

extensively. I had a wonderful

husband that spoiled me, a good

contributed to societies that shape

themselves through collective

reflection, shame and lllsplra­

tion. Without events at both ends

of the spectrum, learning from our

mistakes and moving towam a bet­

ter existence may not occur. How­

ever, vigilance is important to

maintain the precarious balance

between individual desires and the

common good.

Complete this sentence: ''The

last time I was frustrated was

when "

The last time I was frustrated

was this spring when so many dif­

ferent tasks came due at the same

time in work, personal and orga­

nizational responsibilities. 8ome­

times the frustrations centered on

involved decision-makers whose

actions or beliefs were quite dif­

ferent from my own. Of course, at

other times my frustrations have

been with temporal perceptions -

don't many of us feel like we don't

have enough time?

"What's the No. 1 thing you'd

rather be doing than grading pa­

pers?

family and many friends. I'm

surrounded by people that care for

me and now I'm taking it easy.

If you could do one thing over in

your life what would it be? "Why?

Nothing, the road of my life has

been full and now I just want to

take it easy .•

Aside from my job, I love travel­

ing the globe.

If not oound by geographic loca­

tion, vmat is the No.1 reason for

a person to join a JACL chapter

in the Midwest District?

The :Midwest District chapters

are spread across the largest geo­

graphic area with the fewest num­

ber of chapters per sq uare mile and

some of the smallest chapter sizes

to engage in activities that will car­

ry out the mission of JACL. There

is a lot to do, but a wonderfully

diverse and enjoyable group of in­

dividuals with whom to share the

Iood.

If you had the power to stop time

for 10 minutes, what would you

do? "Why?

My goodness, 10 minutes is not

much time! We all need a break

to refresh ourselves, so I would

breathe deeply, hug my family

members, smile, say a quiet prayer

ofthanks for those 10 minutes, and

then begin organizing my time af­

ter that luxury ended .•

PACIFIC ~ CITIZEN

MASUMOTO »conlinued from 119. 12

together. I'm biased, of course, but it's also true that not all parents

inspire their children to greatness, and my dad does that."

How did internment create a hole in your family?

The 1hsumotos had four brothers ready to finally buy a farm

and phnt roots in the early 1940s. Internment shattered our dreams.

My grandfather was in his 60s and his hopes were destroyed. My

gIaudmother grew bitter, understandably terrified about the government

taking things away, especially when my father bought our farm after

the war. This all created a climate for most Sansei farm kids to run

away from the land and a mass exodus from farms did occur. Any

evolution of JA family fanns was crushed. I was one of the few naive

enough to come back to the farm.

Internment created a hole in our family -and I was stubborn enough

to try and fill it on the land. Farmin g organically seemed to be a natural

extension of Japaneseculture and reverence of nature and coupled with

the history of JAs, another struggle and challenge to endure.

How can peaches make for wild farm work?

Next year we will publish a 1-1asumoto Family Rum Peach cookbook

- we're testing recipes now. As part of the research and writing, we

had to test peach bellini, a mixture of peaches with prosecco, a wine.

We did a minimum of 10 versions. While this recipe isn't that unique,

testing them at nine in the morning was - it made for some wild fann

wolk and tractor drivin g the rest of that day.

Do you have an argument as to why people should eat more

produce?

Check the price of a Twinkie - it's typically over $5 a pound. And

consider how much cheap produce is thrown away because it lacks

flavor. That's wasteful and very expensive.

You're a writer and a farmer.

I can't separate the two - I write about fanning and I believe our

family farm is an evolving story. I have a passion for both, a blessing

and curse that's passed down to our daughter, Nikiko, who is an artist

and taking over the farm. Once, someone told me writing and farming

would be incompatible. They were wrong, there's an art of the story

and the art of growing a peach. Besides, neither profession makes a ton

of money so they're quite compatible .•

ISAKARI »conlinued from 119. 12

The main theme of a project on her life would be [chi go ichi e.

I'm only IS, so I think it is a bit premature for me or anybody to

reflecton my life! Butone of my favorite Japanese expressions is "[chi

go ichi e" which to me means living life to its fullest each and every

day. I like this expression as it reminds me to keep a positive attitude

even when things may not be going right

Her ideal lunch dates would be eclectic.

George Komure, Barack Obama (the first person of color to be U.S.

president), and my grandfather (never met).

"Bridging Conununities" broadened her horizons.

I was very fortunate to participate in the JACL's "Bridging Com­

munities" program last year as it taught me so much about the simihr

history of injustices towam the Nikkei and Muslim American com­

munities. I was also even able to visit the Tule Lake internment camp

and participate in a National Park project - something that I never

dreamed of doing.

Her advice to JACL.

I think one important role of JACL is to provide diverse education­

al opportunities to the youth. These opportunities could be rehted to

learning about the internment camp experience (like "Bridging Com­

munities"), our Japanese cultural heritage or how to get involved in

Asian American comm unity affairs.

As for opportunities to learn about our Japanese cultureandAAcom­

munity affairs, I know there are other organizations that have started

programs in these areas and so it would be nice to see if JACL could

fonn alliances with them and thus promote these programs to the youth

membership. Otherwise, it is really hard for youth who live in isohted

areas to hear about these learning opportunities and th us get involved. I

EXTRAORDINARY APAS MAY 4-17,2012 15

The Legendary Marion Hori ,

'.J' ....

Marion Hori is pictured here with her two daughters, Crystalyn (Ieff) and Jaclyn.

The former

Wasatch Front

North chapter pres­

ident has helped to

triple the once dy­

ing chapter.

Friends and acquaintances of

1-hrion Hori all know that

when it comes to all mat­

ters JACL, she will not take "no"

for an answer. She will get you to

volunteer for a chapter event and

in the long run you will become a

member of the organization, even a

chapter president.

Hori's abilities are not myth,

they are a reality. During the 1990s

when her Wasatch Front North

chapter in Utah was barely surviv­

ing she agreed to become the chap­

ter's president. Soon, the chapter

had tripled its membership. Today,

Wasatch Front North has about 75

members.

"I believe in the JACL," said

Hori, 70, in a recent interview with

the Pacific Citizen.

Hori has been a JACL member

for almost 50 years and her family

has a long tradition in theorganiza­

tion. Almost all of her family mem­

bers have at one time served as the

Wasatch Front North chapter presi­

dent including her husband Tom,

her dau ghter Jaclyn and brother-in­

law Gerald Nisogi.

"Her dedication to JACL is tre­

mendous," said Larry Grant, for­

mer IOC district governor. "I am

sure she will say she is just ordi­

nary, but her stamina and commit­

ment are extraordinary."

In your opinion how do you in­

crease membership and interest

inJACLasawhole?

Persistence. You have to keep

encouraging people to become

involved and let them know they

are valued and have skills that

will help the chapter. Invite them where people can go to get help.

to all the various activities and

when they come, welcome them

and ask them to help with different

tasks and keep increasing your in­

terest in them staying involved. If

you give up, they will give up and

not stay as members. Also family

members are a great way to keep

growth. Encourage them to invite

their family members and they will

feel more comfortable when they

come to chapter activities.

Your family members say your

persistence is legendary. Would

you call it pushiness or persis­

tence? Why?

Depending on who you speak

to, they may say persistence leans

toward pushiness, but sometimes,

depending on the circumstance, a

gentle push is necessary.

Why do you believe inJACL?

I believe it is necessary to have

an organization that will stand up

for anyone that is being discrimi­

nated against for any reason. It still

happens and there should be some-

Why is it important for you to

have your entire family involved

in the JACL?

They are the easiest to convince

that JACL needs help.

If you were riding an elevator

with an energetic group of Asian

Americans, what would you do

or say in that short duration to

get them involved in J ACL?

First, I would introduce myself

and ask if they had heard of JACL.

Then see if they were interested

in going to a party being put on

by the local JACL chapter. Tell

them all the fun activities that the

chapter does. Ask if them to bring

something (food, music, friends,

family). Then explain all the things

JACL has done for people, not just

Japanese Americans.

Aside from JACL, what hobby

is usually the center of con versa­

tion at mealtimes?

Watching "Dancing with the

Stars" or "American Idol" or NBA

basketball. •

jU13ig .

CongratU{atlons To:

?t1.arion J{ori + +

'Exjr<wrlfinary )l<1')l

in J)lC£ IDistrict

InUfmountd.in

f[)istrict Counci{

2012

National JACl Credit Union

16 MAY 4-17,2012 EXTRAORDINARY APAS

Leading JACL to its First Annual National Convention

Gary Mayeda (pictured above with actress Tamlyn Tomita) of the PSW

District may have made it look easy but a lot of sweat and tears went

into JACL's first annual convention in Los Angeles.

F,r JACL members who have

had the experience of lead­

ing a national JACL con­

vention, exhaustion seems to be a

common outcome by the end of it.

Some may even ask why they took

on such a monumental assignment,

all on volunteer time.

But not Gary 11:tyeda of the

PSW District who was the chair

of the first annual JACL national

convention in Los Angeles back in

2011. Resays he has no regrets and

wonk! do it all over again.

"The district planning commit­

tee was a joy to work with," said

11ayeda, 48, of the APAN JACL

Chapter. ''We were people from

different chapters and professional

backgrounds with a common ob­

jective. Gathering talent like that

and seeing everyone work together

with such fantastic result is gratifY­

ing beyond belief."

Any advice for the folks tak­

ing on the upcoming conven­

tion in Bellevue, Wash. July 5-8?

1-hyeda's advice: make your con­

vention unique and show off the

great attractions and talent the

PNW District has to offer.

"National may want you to do

certain things but hold your own

and trust your years of leadership

abilities," he said. "I've known the

chair Elaine Akagi for many years

and I know she will do a great job."

1fuyeda is the Pacific Citizen 5

choice for "Extraordinary APA"

from the PSW District.

"What was the biggest challenge

of hosting JACL's first annual

national convention?

There were several. Having only

18 months to plan the convention

was probably the shortest amount

of time in the history of JACL to

plan a convention. The second was

a venue change. National had to

change the hotel site six months

before and didn't secure the new

hotel until four and a half months

before the convention.

"What was the biggest triumph of

hosting this historic event?

For the first time in conven­

tion history, we collaborated with

the California Japanese American

Community Leadership Council

(CJACLC) on workshops to ex­

pand the networking of JACL to

beyond just the JACL community.

The sponsors saw value in this

and sponsored the events to bring

JAG.. greater financial security.

fur me personally, it was seeing

the delegates having a great time

at special events like 1-hdame Tus­

sauds and taking silly pictures III

the photo booth.

Is it true actor Gary Busey was

roaming the halls outside of a

JACL ooard meeting? Any other

star sightings?

Yes indeed, Gary Busey was just

outside the PSW office giving an

interview in the hallway. Actress

Tamlyn Tomita graciously hosted

our Culmination Banquet. If you

were at 1-hdame Tussauds then

you sawall the famous Hollywood

actolS in character.

Would you consider JACL's

move to an annual convention a

success? "Why?

Yes and in many ways a series

of firsts for JACL. We were able

to bring together JAG.. delegates

and APA leaders from CJACLC

to discuss important issues facing

our communities. From a business

model, all of our vendors were ei­

ther JACL members or people that

are currently doing business with

JACL. It is a way of strengthening

the business relation we have with

our partners. Never before was this

a conscience effort for any conven­

tion. The cheapest vendor does not

always enhance future growth.

This was also the first time a dis­

trict hosted a convention. Typically

a chapter hosts a convention so

this involved the whole district. I

also came up with the idea to have

membership upgrades during the

convention and solicited the help

of Membership Coordinator Phil­

lip Ozaki to implement. We also

had the thiId highest net profitof all

conventions and at 60 percent this

was the first convention that gave

more than the normal 50 percent of

the profits to National JACL.

Complete this sentence, "If! had

known then what I know now, I

would "

have spent more time with

my mother .•

PACIFIC ~ CITIZEN

MICHAEL LIN ».onlinued from pg. 7

impacted directly by these laws deserves closure before passin g.

Is an expression of regret enough?

Nothing will adequately correct the injustice caused by the repeatedly

enacted exclusion laws and the six decades of suffering of early immi­

giants before these laws were repealed. However, for Congress to show

courage to acknowledge the injustice is a start for the healing. More im­

portantly, the passage of Congressional resolutions opens the opportunity

to understand why and how this chapter of dark history occurred and

what we can do to prevent it from happening again.

The fight for an expression of regret is pan-Asian (including JACL).

"Why do you think the lessons of the Exclusion Act resonate across

ethnic conununities?

These exclusionary laws were enacted by representatives elected by

the people and carried out in a democratic institution of the people with

the beneficial intent for the people. Without an acknowledgment of the

injustice and renewal of the commitment, we could be all impacted again,

such as the internment of Japanese Americans during the WWII.

"What's the next step?

We still have the companion House Resolution for passage. It is cur­

rently pending in the House Judiciary Committee and there seems to be

encouraging signs that the committee is willing to consider it. Once the

passage is achieved, we need to continue an effort to educate the public

and future geneIations about the history and consequences ofthe Chinese

Exclusion Laws and their extended impact on Asian Americans and their

significance for all Americans .•

MILITARY ».onlinu ... from pg. 8

Virgil Westdale

522nd Field Artillery

Miohigan

''When I got the first hint that there was a bill (SlOSS) being introduced

in Congress to bestow upon the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team

their highest award the Congressional Gold 1-1edal, I wondered if it

would ever come to fruition. Over time thanks to so many Congressional

members' help it was submitted to the president for his signature.

''When all this happened I thought of my soldier friends and those

RCf members Killed in Action or passed on who could not be present

when the Congressional Gold Medal was presented on Nov. 2, 2011, in

Washington, D.C. How astounding the 'Honored Message' completely

filled my thoughts as I truly realized the United States is saying to the

RCf and the 11IS, accept our humble thanks for the heroism, bIavery,

trustworthiness, and perseverance you demonstrated during those very

difficult times. The deep sting that affected all of us, some more than

others, was gone. I have no regrets how my life has turned out The

Congressional Gold Medal has senta strong 'Honored 1-1essage' to us for

WWII, before, during, and after. I very humbly accept the 'Honor' and I

thank Congress for it."

Terry Shima

442nd veteran, reoently retired exeoutive direotor of JAVA (Japanese

Amerioan Veterans Assooiation)

Washington, D.C.

"I link the Congressional Gold 1-1edal to the accusation of Japanese

American disloyalty during WWII. The Congressional Gold Medal

is a reaffirmation of America's faith in Japanese Americans as loyal

Americans. To admit it had made a huge constitutional mistake, to make

corrections, and to offer a national apology at the highest level speak of

the Greatness of America.".

PACIFIC ~ CITIZEN CONVENTION 20121SPRING CAMPAIGN MAY 4-17,2012 17

ASAKAWA ».onlinued from PII. 2

balance precarious national finances.

The P.c. is a large line item on JACL's

national budget (8 percent of the bud­

get), which makes it an easy target But

the fact is, producing a great news op­

eration is expensive, and Editor Caroline

Aoyagi, Assistant Editor Lynda Lin and

reporter Ko produce a great newspaper

and website with a skeleton staff and an

already very, very tight budget.

Newspapers everywhere are cutting

back, so why shouldn't the P.c., espe­

cially if JACL is financially hurting?

It's the chssic cliche of cuttin g off your

nose to spite your face: Newspapers are

finding that there is a point of no return

when they keep cutting staff to balance

their books: quality suffers.

When you keep trimming fat, you

eventually cut into bone. We're about to

slice bone.

Lin has been integral to the P.c. 5 level

of quality journalism since her arrival,

WORKSHOPS ».onlinued from PII. 6

Tom Ikeda, director of Densho.

• "Nikkei &nior Health - What the In­

dividual and the Community Should

Know" - Dr. Lianne Hirano, medical di­

rector of &attle Keiro Center and Mira­

bella and faculty member, Univemity of

Authorized Broker

and she has brought great energy and

talent to the opeIation . She's not just a

savvy editor and sharp writer; she's also

a skilled gIaphic designer who's helped

establish a cleaner design for both the

print edition and the P.c. website.

It would be difficult to imagine the

P.C. opeIating smoothly for long ifCaro­

line permanently lost lynda.

I've said in past national board meet­

ingsduring my tenureas P.C. board chair,

that we've been incredibly fortunate to

have both Caroline and Lynda running

the paper. Their pay is low compared

to simihr media jobs in the market, but

they've stayed on because of their pas­

sion for JACL, and for producing great

quality journalism. That quality has been

reflected in New America 1-1edia awards.

The P.c. has always worked to accom­

modate national JAG..'s shrinking bud­

gets, and last year accepted a $79,000

drop in membemhip dues funding. With

each cut, the P.c. has worked harder and

leaner, and thanks to you, increased its

support from the annual Spring Cam­

paign. It's not just with staffing; the P.c.

Washington and Jeffrey Hattori, CEO of

Nikkei Concerns.

• "Identity is Nota 1-1ath Equation: Mul­

tiIacial, Multiethnic and :Mixed Identity"

- Christine Munteanu, JACL R:ml. pro­

gIam coominator.

There will also be a "Living Well"

Health Rtir that will focus on diabetes.

Screening and information about the pre-

blue' of california

Health Plans for California JACL Members

Call the JAC L Insurance Services & Administrators at

1.800.400.6633 or visit www.jaclhea lth.org ---.-

spent $30,000 less on expenses in 2011

than itdid in 2010.

The P.c. is consistently named as one

of the most important benefits by JACL

membem. For many JACLem away from

the West Coast the P.c. is the only "life­

line" to JACL that we see on a regular

basis. It's what connects us, especially if

we're not active in our chaptem.

I hope you'll join me in urging JACL

to continue the funding for the assistant

editor position, both before and during

the &attle convention. If you're going,

speak up on behalf of the P.c. If you're

not, let your chapter and district repre­

sentatives know how you feel.

Newspapem all over have made dras­

tic cuts; the P.c. made its drastic cuts

yeam ago, and cutting Lynda's position

now would be a cruel, desperate move

that would affect the P.c. advemely,

making JACL's membemhip lifeline less

effective and ultimately, membemhip it­

self less valuable .•

Gil Asaka"wa is a former Pc. board

chair and the current Pc. IDC rep.

vention and treatment of diabetes will be

offered by professionals from the Ameri­

can Diabetic Association .

The workshops and performances are

designed not only to enhance the conver­

sation about the JACLand its future, but

also to ensure that everyone has access to

infonnation to enjoy good health and be

energized to enjoy life to the fullest.

2012 CONVENTION THEME: INFORM' TRANSFORM • PERFORM ••• EMBRACING JACL IN AN ERA OF TRANSFORMATION

JACL remembem the past, approaches current

challenges, and acts to secure and uphold human

and civil rights for current and future generations.

JACL promotes and preserves the cultuIaI heritage

and values of Japanese Americans.

INFCRlvi - share our stories and describe the

history of Americans of Japanese ancestry, and the

experiencesoftheJACL. Who are we? Wheredid we

come from? What experiences have we had and how

have we responded? What have we accomplished?

TRANSFCRlvi - the JACL organization is

changing. The fundamental values and principles of

JACL from 1929 remain intact, formed in response

to prejudice and discrimination. As JACL moves

from "the good old days " to the "bIave new world,"

conscious, deliberate attention is needed to manage

change. We need to acknowledge that when there

is change, loss is always involved, even when the

change is positive.

Where are we now? Where do we want to go as

an organization? What programs will support our

mission and help us to achieve our priority goals?

How do we get there?

PERFORM - a high-performing organization

brings out the best in people, mobilizes teams,

nurtures a learning environment where people can

share diveme ideas and disagree respectfully. A

high-performing organization is one that is oriented

to achieve, to meet and exceed defined goals.

Each biennium, JACL's "Program for Action"sets

the coume. How can we strategically move JAG..

through the 21st century? •

Join the National JACL Credit Union to support your

Next Generation For all your banking needs, join your National JACL Credit Union where

you will find everything for your finances at your fingertips.

o VISA Debit & Credit Cards oCDs

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18 MAY 4-17, 2012 EXTRAORDINARY APAS

TRIBUTE

Franklin Aizo Hijikata August 24, 1922 - March 1,2012

Franklin A. Hijikata, 89, died on March

1 in Baltimore, MD. He spent over 25 years

of his career as the executive director of the

Neighborhood House in SI. Paul, MN.

Frank was bom in Ikebukuro, Tokyo,

Japan , to an American-educated Baptist

missionary, the Reverend Kiichi Hijikata , and

his wife, Kimiko Aoki Hijikata. Wlen he was

four, his family immig rated to Sacramento,

CA, where his father was minister of the

First Japanese Baptist Church. He had two

younger sisters, Ruth and Lillian , as well as a

younger brother who died in infancy. Frank's youth was spent in Sacramento,

although the family spent periods in Loomis

and Pacific Grove, CA, due to his father's de­

clining health. After high school , he attended

Sacramento Junior College, receiving an A.A .

degree.

As part of the Evacuation, Frank was sent

to the Walegra Assembly Center and then

was interned at the Tule Lake War Reloca­

tion Center, both in California.

During the war, the Baptist church spon­

sored Frank's release to Buffalo, NY, where

he earned a B.A. from the University of

Buffalo. Frank then received a M. Div. from Colgate-Rochester Di vinity School in Roches­

ter, N Y, and a M. Sc. (Social Administration)

from Westem Reserve University's School of

Applied Social Sciences in Cleveland, OH.

Prior to the Neighborhood House, Frank

was the executive director of the Firman

House, a Presbyterian settlement house in

Chicago, IL. He also served as pastor of the

Nisei Christian Fellowship in Cleveland , OH,

and the Fernwood Baptist Church in Roches­

ter, NY

@KUBOTA NIKKEI MORTUA RY

1<..-f!f.lfJa;f.-II-il~

He was a member of the Relig ious Society

of Friends.

Franklin A. Hijikata is survived by his wife

of 61 years, Rose Takano Hijikata; three

daughters, Judith Hijikata, Susan Hijikata and

Heidi Hijikata; and four grandchildren , Nathan

Cox, Alexander Graber, Sachiko Graber, and

Nicholas Cox. In addition, he is survived by

a sister, Ruth Tsuchiyama of Montebello, CA,

and a daughter-in-law, Sandra Hijikata. A

son, F. Bruce Hijikata, died in 2002.

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PACIFIC. Cl Tl ZEN EXTRAOPDINARY APPS ""Y4-172012 19

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